Cosplay Contest
MAGWest Cosplay Contest Rules & Guidelines
A contest for cosplayers of all interests and skills. A chance to show off on stage, roleplay as your favorite character and win prizes. Get a commemorative sticker for coming to the event for stopping by.
In order to participate, each contestant will need a badge. To register visit, www.magwest.org/registration
Event time: Saturday August 9th, 2025 @ 2 pm
Sign up Location: Craft Cove; open from 10 am - 12:30 pm
Event Location: Variety Stage, Second Floor
General Safety Rules
MAGWest is PG-15 across the board as an event but the Cosplay Contest is rated E for everyone, so please keep it safe and appropriate for everyone of all ages.
All attendees and contestants must follow MAGWest’s Code of Conduct and Dress Code.
No obscene language or gestures.
All contestants must have the appropriate amount of clothes on at all times. All costumes must cover as much as standard swimsuit clothing and must stay on at all times. No stripping.
All props must adhere to MAGWest's weapons policy.
Prop weapons are welcome but must be checked in with security promptly upon arrival. Sharp corners, metal rods, or any other elements of weapons that may be dangerous to others will not be allowed. If constructing a prop please err on the side of caution, or contact us ahead of time for approval.
No real weapons, or any item that can be easily mistaken for a weapon, may be carried either openly or concealed at any time in festival space, regardless of any concealed carry permits. An exception will be made for folding pocket knives without double-edged blades that are no longer than four inches. If a prop weapon or folding pocket knife is held or used in a threatening way, it will be considered a weapon. On such occasions, a staff member may take any reasonable measures to ensure the continued safety of MAGWest attendees, which could include remanding the attendee in question immediately to the custody of the local police. These policies are enforced at all times.
No messy props. This includes items such as glitter and confetti. If it's not something you can easily pick up and clean quickly DO NOT use it.
No special effects for the purpose of the contest, including smoke machines, fire, dry ice, liquid, or anything else that could potentially disrupt operations.
DO NOT throw items offstage, at the audience or judges.
As a reminder, alcohol and smoking/vaping are not permitted in MAGWest function rooms and stages.
We, the Magwest staff, reserve the right to refuse entry or participation to anyone for any reason.
Prejudging
Talk to the judges about your costume. From your inspiration, the materials and techniques.
Prejudging is optional and is not needed to enter the contest but it is required to be eligible for the “Craftsmanship” and “Best in show” awards.
Costume must be worn when prejudging by either the contestant or by another person with the maker of the costume present.
Prejudging will be open from 10 am - 12:30 pm on Saturday, Aug 9.
Location: Craft Cove
Guidelines for the stage
What to do on stage:
Before going on stage each contestant will hand their filled in form to the MC for them to read. (This form will be given before the contest for contestants to write their name and costume character as well as an intro for the MC to read to introduce them for their walkup)
Each contestant gets up to 1 minute to do their walkup.
Once done they will simply exit off the stage. DO NOT jump off the stage.
Young kids that need supervision can have their parent/guardian be with them on stage.
This also goes for people who need assistance moving.
If you are unable to get on the stage for any reason, (i.e. you’re on stilts), you may walk in front of the stage instead for your performance.
If contestants want to perform as a group they may. (Will be judged as a group as one entry for performance but can be individually judged for craftsmanship.)
Categories
The following list is an example breakdown of the awards that may be awarded. However, at the judge’s discretion they may choose to omit or add to the awards as they deem appropriate for the entries received.
Judges choice - An honorable mention that needs to be awarded.
The Fan Favorite - The favorite of the crowd. Had the most cheers and brought the most smiles.
Theme award - a costume based on the theme of the event. Can be a character from the franchise or a themed-version of a character.
Best Performer - The best act on stage. In their short amount of time this person really embodied the character.
Best Craftsmanship - Costume and/or props are really well made and impressive. *Prejudging required
Best In Show - Best entry overall of the whole competition, based on their score, their costume and performance is well deserved. Wowed everyone with everything they got. *Prejudging required
